ALAN SANDERSON was brought back down to earth as Slaithwaite suffered a setback against Drakes League leaders Scholes.

The previous week the former Huddersfield and Broad Oak player had passed 1,000 career wickets.

But he was unable to make it 1,003 against Scholes as the visitors won by 95 runs, leaving Slaithwaite sixth and 11 points behind them.

Scholes made 235-5 then held Slaithwaite to 140-6, with Ian Gray following up his unbeaten 50 with three for 15 in eight accurate overs.

Dave Weston (95) and Bob Milne (58) shared a century opening partnership.

The only blot on the landscape for the Holme Valley side was that their lead over second-placed Meltham was cut to a point after they gained the maximum six points in beating Shepley.

Phil Heaton grabbed seven for 51 as Meltham were held to 159-9, but his fifth-placed side were then sent back for 92, Paul Booth taking four for 44.

Lascelles Hall maintained third place, just two points off the pace, with a 59-run, five-point victory at Hall Bower.

Home opener James Sykes batted through for an impressive 72, but the Hall’s 259-5 proved too much.

Champions Elland kept their defence alive with a five-wicket, five-point triumph over Broad Oak, the Hullen Edgers remaining five points behind Scholes in fourth.

John Greaves made 57 as the Oak set a victory target of 177, which Elland passed in the penultimate over thanks to 46 apiece from John Webster and James Thornton.

Kirkburton boosted their fight against the drop and pushed Kirkheaton further towards the trapdoor with a three-wicket win at Bankfield.

Richard Carter took five for 63 as the basement side were held to 154-8 then Aussie Matthew Betsey crashed a solid 70 for the victors.

The win continued a much brighter spell of form for Burton, who had started the month at the foot of the table.

They had struggled with injuries earlier in the season, new skipper Chris Howitt, Derbyshire county batsman Tim O’Gorman and former Spen Victoria all-rounder Rob Burton all being affected.

Howitt, originally from Essex, had been brought to Riley Lane by old mate Tony Robery after moving North through work.

“The team spirit has remained strong throughout, net sessions have been well attended and hopefully we’ve now turned the corner,” said Howitt.

Pushing strongly for promotion from Section B were leaders Linthwaite and Honley, who were just a point behind the Colne Valley side.

Both picked up routine victories, Linthwaite by a 6-0 margin at Kexborough, who were bowled out for 84 with Joe Williams taking seven for 30, and Honley 5-1 at home to Golcar.

Hero for Honley was opening bat Michael Bridge, whose 77 ensured the visitors’ 158-9 (John Cooper 69) was overhauled with six overs to spare.